La Liga manager breaks silence on the future of Barcelona priority target

Following a stellar Euro 2024 campaign, speculation linking Nico Williams with a move away from Athletic Club has intensified rapidly and unsurprisingly so.

Barcelona have emerged as one of the potential destinations for the young attacker, as he looks to take the next step in his career.

Barça, in fact, are open to pursuing two of Spain’s Euro 2024 heroes in the form of Nico and Dani Olmo, though the pursuit of the latter may depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan.

Nevertheless, Barcelona appear to have prioritised the pursuit of Nico, as part of their plans to shore up the ranks in the offensive unit.

Ernesto Valverde on Nico’s future

In the midst of relentless speculation, though, Athletic Club coach Ernesto Valverde has trashed any potential talks over Nico’s future.

Valverde bluntly pointed to Nico’s contract, which does not expire until 2027 while expressing that he is not too worried about the player’s future.

“We are counting on him to return to training (on 12 August), he is happy with us and we are happy with him,” said Valverde, who remains determined to keep hold of the forward.

“I know it must be very important, but I can’t keep repeating the same thing. We are convinced…. Nico has a contract, he’s with us, we’re happy with him and we’re waiting for him to start training on the stipulated day,” added the coach

Nico’s five goals and 14 assists last season were key in helping Athletic Club secure a top-five finish in La Liga last season.

Can Barcelona push through?

Given his importance in the team, Athletic Club will not leave any stone unturned in their efforts to keep hold of Nico this summer.

Barcelona, though, could be in a position to sign the Spaniard if they are able to meet the player’s €58 million release clause.

However, that would require some important groundwork when it comes to the finances. The club remain in talks with Nike over a new deal while the sale of unwanted stars could also help.

Barcelona are reportedly in agreement with the player already, meaning the club now only need to solve the other side of the puzzle in order to be able to sign their long-time attacking target.

Source: Mundo Deportivo